The Tiki Backyard Huacachina is a tropical-themed restaurant and bar at Malecón José Picasso Peratta 129, on the lakefront promenade of the Balneario de Huacachina, the desert oasis village about five kilometers southwest of Ica in southern Peru. Surrounded by palms and garden greenery, it pairs a tiki-inspired setting with a menu built around tropical flavors, and it draws sandboarders, dune-buggy riders, couples, and foodies who want a sit-down meal and a cold drink after a day on the sand.
What to Expect at The Tiki Backyard Huacachina
Huacachina is a village of roughly a hundred residents built around a small natural lagoon, ringed by dunes that rise more than 100 meters. The Tiki Backyard takes its cue from the setting: a backyard-style layout with thatched-style shade, planted greenery, and relaxed seating that feels deliberately removed from the dust and engine noise of the dune circuits. Rated 4.8 from 84 reviews, it has built a reputation as one of the more consistently praised sit-down options on the Malecón, where many neighbors lean toward backpacker hostels and quick bites.
The cooking leans tropical, with fresh, citrus-bright and fruit-forward plates, and Peruvian ingredients are the natural anchor in this region. Ica is also pisco country, and the department is home to the country’s oldest pisco distilleries, so cocktails here sit alongside the food as a main attraction. Because menus at venues like this change with the season and the produce delivery, confirm current dishes and prices directly with the restaurant.
- Tropical cuisine: Fresh, fruit- and citrus-driven plates that suit the heat of the Ica desert, which is among the sunniest regions of Peru.
- Pisco cocktails: Ica’s home spirit anchors drinks such as the pisco sour, a natural pairing for a tiki-style bar program.
- Garden atmosphere: Lush greenery and a backyard layout create shade and a calmer setting than the dune-side streets.
- Lagoon-side location: The Malecón puts the restaurant steps from the oasis lagoon, palms, and the dune walls above.
- Late opening hours: Open daily from 12 PM to 10:30 PM, which suits a post-sunset dinner after dune buggy and sandboard tours.
The Tiki Backyard Huacachina at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Balneario de Huacachina, Malecón José Picasso Peratta 129, Huacachina 11000, Peru |
| Neighborhood / Area | Huacachina oasis lakefront (Malecón), near Ica |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday, 12 PM to 10:30 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | No entry fee; pay per order. Typically a mid-range tourist-area price tier ($$) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Taxis and mototaxis from Ica; the village center is largely pedestrian with limited parking at the entrance |
| Official Website & Phone | tikibackyardhuacachina.com, +51 987 880 172 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Most visitors reach Huacachina from Ica by taxi or mototaxi, a ride of about ten minutes, or on a day trip by bus from Lima, roughly four to five hours south along the Pan-American Highway. The village center is compact and mostly walkable, and vehicle access near the lagoon is restricted, so plan to be dropped off at or near the Malecón. Lunchtime is hot and the dunes reflect a lot of heat, so a shaded garden table is a good way to wait out the midday sun. For sunset dinner during high season, calling or messaging ahead on the listed phone number is a sensible move, since the oasis fills up on weekends and holidays.
Accessibility is a consideration: the Malecón is a flat promenade, but the village has uneven surfaces and sand drifting onto paths, and step-free arrangements vary by venue, so contact the restaurant about entrances and seating if you use a wheelchair or stroller. Within a five-minute walk you can reach the lagoon boardwalk, the paddle-boat rentals, and the base of the dune staircases that lead to sunset viewpoints. Dune buggy and sandboarding operators run tours from the village in the late afternoon, which pairs naturally with an early dinner here, and the pisco bodegas of the Ica valley make a good half-day outing the next morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and the best time to visit?
The Tiki Backyard is open every day from 12 PM to 10:30 PM. Late afternoon into early evening is the best window, when the heat eases and the dunes turn gold at sunset.
How much does a meal cost and do I need a reservation?
There is no entry charge and prices follow a mid-range tourist-area tier ($$), so check the current menu with the restaurant. Reservations are not typically required, but contacting them at +51 987 880 172 helps for groups or weekend evenings.
How much time should I plan for a visit?
Allow one to two hours for a relaxed lunch or dinner. If you are fitting it around a dune buggy tour, book the meal before or after the tour window rather than between sessions.
Is it suitable for families and are there dress code rules?
The garden setting is casual and welcomes families, couples, and groups of travelers, with no formal dress code. Sandals and beachwear after a day on the dunes are normal, and the restaurant can advise on accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs.
When planning your Huacachina travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Huacachina, pair this stop with standout local spots including DM Hoteles, Restaurant Petunia's, REST_MORON, and Nuna Cocina-Bar (nearby).
